Ernest Ernie Samuel Dukes

First thougts that come to mind when describing Ernest S. Dukes are of a no-nonsense, tough-minded, dedicated, disciplined and fun loving person. This description accurately fits Ernie. He will be remembered as being determined, practical and realistic. He was a person who always carried a strong sense of duty with him throughout his life. Possessed with traditional “old school” morals, Ernie was an individual who clearly communicated to those around him just who he was and what he was all about. Everyone acquainted with Ernie knew him as a well-respected man who was a stable force in his family.

      Ernest S.Dukes was born on Friday, June 13, 1924 at General Hospital in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. Ernie was raised in Sylvan Valley, Ontario. Even as a youngster, Ernie learned to be objective and decisive. His faith in the principles of authority and dependability was something that he carried with him throughout his life.

      As a young boy, Ernie was able to put his natural abilities to work.He loved working on the farm especially with his father in the blacksmith shop. Ernie was raised with three siblings, he had two older brothers, John and Harry, and one older sister Bessie.

     Ernie's matter-of-fact attitude about most things was developed during his childhood. When things got tough on the farm they trapped beavers and wolves to supplement their income. As a young boy Ernie enjoyed learning to play the violin and piano with his whole family. He enjoyed playing outside with his dog and going fishing and trapping.

      In school, Ernie sought to achieve perfect attendance in all of his classes. He would eagerly complete his homework. A logical and focused thinker, Ernie was always good at following directions and meeting his schedules, whether they were set by his teachers or were self-imposed. Ernie's personal motto could well have been, “Do it right the first time.” He attended MacTier High School for one year. His favorite class in public school was Geography. The teacher he enjoyed learning from the most was Mrs.Bernice McLean.

      Ernie was sociable and approachable. Because he was always so straightforward in how he approached relationships, friends and family knew that what they saw was always what they got. He enjoyed the camaraderie of being with a group of friends. When Ernie was a member of a group, he liked to stay on track and stick to the task at hand. While growing up, two of his best friends were Bud Mitchell and Danny Hodgkinson. He enjoyed dancing, music, and having fun.

     As a conscientious individual, Ernie reveled in the security of his family. On November 1, 1944 Ernie married Gladys Leona Beilhartz. One of Ernie’s most endearing qualities was his uncanny ability to remember important dates and anniversaries, and his unending enthusiasm for organizing a celebration for his family and friends.

     Ernie was ever watchful of his children. He worried about them and was deeply concerned for their development as they grew up. He maintained a firm hand in their upbringing. Ernie would give his stamp of approval to their requests, as long as he could see how they might benefit. He also had the ability to enforce the rules as needed to ensure that his children were properly raised. Ernie and Gladys were blessed with four children; two sons, Brian and Jerry and two daughters, Marian and Joyce. They were also blessed with eight grandchildren, Kevin, Heather, Jodie, Darren, Carrie, Jeff, Sarah and Catherine. Thirteen great grand children; Mark, Courtney, Brandon, Emma and the late Kyle, Isabel, Julia, Carter, Owen, Annabella, Michaela, Kate and the other one "what's her name" Jenna.

      Being a hard worker who praised efficiency, Ernie was always striving to make improvements where they were necessary. He was able to analyze situations and problems, keeping everything and everyone on track. Ernie was a person who could quickly make decisions based on the information available. He worked cooperatively and expected the same from his colleagues. In both his personal and working environment, Ernie upheld his standards. His primary occupation was Car Inspector. He was employed for 43 years by The Canadian Pacific Railway. Ernie worked as a crane operator at many wrecks during his career. Ernie was a team player who certainly lived out the motto of “give me a job, and I will get it done.”

      Ernie achieved the rank of Private in the Army. He started his basic training but never served overseas as the war had ended before it was completed.

      Ernie approached his leisure time in the same manner that he approached his life. A person who enjoyed being in the outdoors and understood the nature of things. He appreciated the hours he was able to devote to his various hobbies. His favorite pursuits were hunting, fishing, woodworking, skidooing, four wheeling and car riding. Ernie was contented and enjoyed his favorite pastimes with his family and friends.

      Playing by the rules was a natural thing for Ernie do in life . Recreational sports included bowling, snowmobiling, fourwheeling,etc. He enjoyed watching T. V. ;' real ' restling and news were his favourites.

      Being generous with his time and energy, Ernie liked to belong to groups and organizations. He was a vocal member who enjoyed being a part of things. Ernie enjoyed being a member of the The Royal Canadian Legion. In the past few months he enjoyed their visits to his home. He also enjoyed being a member of the Arthritis and Tinitus Society's help groups.

      Ernie was usually ready to jump in and help with community activities. He was the type of person who would help out by serving on committees eg: Getting the sewer service into Tarentorous and helping to incorporate the C.P.R. Credit Union. During these years Ernie was able to use his analytical intellect to problem solving and so was an asset on most committees.

      Faith was important to Ernie, he held high moral standards. For that reason he held deep spiritual beliefs that he was willing to share. He was a member Tarentorous United Church and then Willowgrove United Church. During that time, he was member of the Board of Stewards. Board of Trustees and sang in the Choir. For many years he served on the Presbytery of Algoma.

      As someone who placed a high value on showing gratitude, Ernie could graciously accept a “thank you” extended to him by those he helped. However, individual recognition wasn’t a motivating force for Ernie. He also thanked everyone for every little thing they did for him. When he saw that there was a need to get something done, he was more than willing to give his time and energy in order to see it accomplished.

One of the awards he received was for reaching Kops status with TOPS (Taking Off Pounds Sensibly) Association for loosing over 50 pounds, which enabled him to have his knees replaced. He was always encouraging others to loose weight and helpted to keep them motivated. He will be remembered for his celery and mustard.

      When it came time to travel or take a vacation, Ernie was always ready to go. Ernie had a knack for making sure that everyone who was involved had their specific tasks and that those tasks were completed, especially when it came to going to Boundary Lake, you knew what you had to carry and you better be prepared to carry it. His favourite vacations included Skookum Lake, Basswood Lake, cruising to Alaska and the Carribean, two trips to the West Coast and one trip to the East Coast and several trips to Florida.

     Ernie was a lover of animals. One of Ernie's favourites was Collie, a black and white collie dog. They were best friends for 14 years. He had two other dogs in his lifetime Brownie and Skipper both cocker spaniels. He liked driving the two horses on the farm Cub and Rowdy.

      When Ernie's retirement finally arrived in 1987, he was well prepared. He used his critical evaluation skills to make sure that every detail had been preplanned and attended to. In retirement, he found new pleasure in woodworking, staying active in the church, singing in the church choir, attending Arthritis and Tinitus help groups, going to his TOPS meetings on Tuesday nights, and his winemaking. Elmer Weigle and him spent many hours trying to come up with the best wine. Ernie would make the wine and deliver it to many of his friends from the church at Christmas. In many ways, Ernie loved retirement. It provided him with the opportunity to catch up with his friends, attend functions and group outings, and tackle new interesting activities.

It was shortly after he retired that his daughter Joyce was diagnosed with Cancer. He spent many early morning hours going and sitting with her at the hospital, so that he would be there when she awakened and wouldn't be scared. He didn't have to say anything, she would just wake up and smile and she knew he was there for her. Joyce passed away on May 1, 1989.

      Ernest S. Dukes passed away on October 15, 2011 at Tendercare Nursing Home, Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. Ernie fought a brave battle against heart disease , arthritis and breathing problems. He is survived by his wife Gladys and children; Marian, Brian and Jerry; his eight grandchildren and twelve great grand children. Services were held at Willowgrove United Church. Ernest S. Was laid to rest in Greenwood Cemetery in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario.

      . He lived his life with his feet firmly on the ground. He had a strong work ethic, and constantly sought the means for self-improvement. He was willing to share his ideas and knowledge for the benefit of others, so that they could accomplish more in their lives.

We are all better people for having known Ernie. He was an inspiration to many, setting an example on how to live and enjoy life to the fullest.

OUR GRANDPA OUR HERO

Good day everyone..and thank you for being here today to celebrate my grandfathers life...

In the yearly hours of Sunday morning..I had many beautiful thoughts that came into my mind on how we are so fortunate to have a legendary hero within our own family.

Now when I mention the word HERO. Many may think of a person who has changed the world..our hero is our grandpa...who has changed our world...

We could compare him to Sir Sanford Fleming..who played a leading role in the construction of the C.P. Rail. Our grandpa loved his job on the railroad. He was able to support his entire family..while working this job for over 40 years. He taught us many important values in life..However one was "Never bite the hand that feeds you".. An important lesson to his children and grandchildren....

He used to say to me "Heather"..be careful whom you shut the door on, because you never know, when you may need them in the future. Not to allow jealousy or greed to stand in the way of God's path.

He has taught us that we had the capability to do whatever we put our mind to..He wanted us to find our passion. To enjoy our life daily..and to always help others in NEED.

He led this family through many difficult and challenging times. He taught us on how to make the decision, then to follow through with it. was also was another great quality he taught. And if it was a mistake that would be oky too (well sometimes)

It was important to him that we learned... right from wrong...My grandfather had a special way of placing 2 fingers on the table....or towards your shoulders, to make sure that you heard his opinion of the right decision. And trust me...it always sunk in the most stubborn minds...

Grandpa always allowed anyone into his home. The grandkids could always bring anyone home for Christmas dinner. If they were hungry, just come in and get something to eat...Nobody ever left his house hungry...

There are many many adults and children who called him Grandpa Dukes...and he loved every single one of them. Some people did not have grandparents..it was an honor to share ours.

Our memories will always be with us.. snowmobiling at the hunting camp, camping at Skookum Lake, hiking to Boundary, skinny dipping at the end of the trail. Rubbing his neck while driving so he would not fall asleep. Singing songs when the car ride was getting long..watching him play the fiddle and piano...

The best part for myself was..sitting on his lap and being Grandpa's dandy little girl. I can remember crawling up his leg..snuggling in..and him holding me..my most favourite place in the world...

The lesson we have learned and the times we have shared..will always be remembered..

We are truly blessed to have had our grandpa in our lives..and his spirit will always be within us.

Thank you

The grandkids.

Words spoken by Heather Dukes at the funeral.

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DUKES, Ernest Samuel – With sadness we announce the passing of Ernest Samuel Dukes in his 88th year at the Tendercare Nursing Home on Saturday, October 15, 2011. Loving husband of Gladys (Beilhartz) for 66 years. Cherished father of Marian Okmanas (Arnold), Brian (Judi), Jerry (Ray Troietto) and the late Joyce Stewart. Proud grandfather of Kevin (Sylvia), Heather, Darren (Jillian), Jodie Stewart-deBeer (Paul), Carrie Jones (Brad), Jeff (Christina), Sarah (Gareth) and Catherine Stewart (Tony). Great grandfather of Mark, Courtney, Brandon, Emma and the late Kyle, Isabel, Julia, Annabella, Michaela, Carter, Owen, Kate and Jenna. Son of the late William and Myrtle (Osborne). Predeceased by brothers, John (Reba), Harry (Lila) and sister Bessie McCarrel (Raymond). Uncle of 31 nieces and nephews. Friends may call at the Arthur Funeral Home & Cremation Centre on Tuesday, October 18, 2011 from 6 – 9 pm. A celebration of Ernie’s life will be held at Willowgrove United Church on Wednesday, October 19, 2011 at 11 am. Rev. Bruce McLeish officiating. Interment Greenwood Cemetery. Memorial donations to Willowgrove United Church or the Algoma Residential Community Hospice (ARCH). Special thank you to the caring staff of Tendercare Nursing Home.